INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Verizon Wireless announced today it has launched its Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) third generation (3G) wide-area network in Indianapolis, the metropolitan area's first operational 3G network.

The EV-DO network enables two new services for Verizon Wireless customers:

BroadbandAccess, the nation's fastest wide-area wireless Internet access service geared toward business professionals, with average user speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps)

V CAST, a consumer-oriented service that offers short content on demand, including live-action 3-D games, music videos, news, weather, sports and more

"The launch of EV-DO with BroadbandAccess and V CAST services provides Verizon Wireless customers in Indianapolis with the latest in wireless data technology, enabling them to stay connected, informed and entertained via their wireless phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Greg Haller, presidentIndiana/ Kentucky/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless.

Indianapolis is the latest metropolitan market to be added to Verizon Wireless' EV-DO network footprint since BroadbandAccess service was initially launched in September 2004. Verizon Wireless is on target to cover about half the U.S. population by the end of 2005.

BroadbandAccess

BroadbandAccess provides mobile workers full access to their corporate information, just as if they were attached to the information via a high-speed wired connection, but with the freedom of true mobility. Developed with a range of users in mind, the service enables large enterprises, small-medium businesses and mobile professionals to conduct business anytime, anywhere in the BroadbandAccess coverage area via a secure, true high-speed data connection.

Business customers can access information when they are on the road-at customer locations, at job sites, or in taxis-faster than any competing national wide-area technology.

With data transmission bursts up to above 2 megabits per second (Mbps), BroadbandAccess customers could download a 1 megabyte email attachment (for example, a small PowerPoint presentation or a large PDF file), or receive three digital pictures (each 400 x 600 pixels) in less than 20 seconds, which is three to four times faster than using EDGE service, and as much as ten times faster than on a competitor's GPRS network. And, because the service is backward compatible-a distinct advantage of using CDMA technology-customers who travel outside a BroadbandAccess coverage area with an EV-DO device will switch seamlessly to Verizon Wireless' existing NationalAccess network, in which customers experience average data transmission speeds between 40 and 60 kilobits per second (kbps) with bursts up to 144 kbps.

"This service gives our enterprise customers two key advantages in wireless communication-speed and mobility," said Haller. "With that comes an increase in productivity and bottom-line business benefits."

V CAST

Launched in February 2005, V CAST delivers crystal clear short content on demand, live-action 3-D games, music videos and much more to wireless phones that run on the Verizon Wireless broadband EV-DO 3G network. The V CAST coverage area, which mirrors Verizon Wireless' EV-DO network, is available in more than 30 major metropolitan areas and at many of the nation's busiest airports.

V CAST offers increased download speed, advanced messaging and imaging and data transfer functions. With V CAST-enabled phones, consumers can stream video clips-up to 5 minutes in length-straight to the phone with transmission speeds capable of bursts of 2.0 megabits per second (Mbps).

Customers in Indianapolis can access V CAST on select Verizon Wireless handsets and immediately play games and view video from a variety of sources, including CNN, NBC, Fox Sports and Comedy Central. They also can view new short programs-called "mobisodes"-of popular television shows. These programs are designed specifically for mobile phones.

Coverage

In metro Indianapolis, Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess and V CAST service coverage includes all of the city of Indianapolis and the following surrounding suburbs and towns:

BroadbandAccess service is priced at $79.99 monthly access for unlimited use with a one- or two-year agreement. For a limited time, Verizon Wireless customers with unlimited use data plans can buy the Novatel v620 air card for $49.99 with a two-year customer agreement or $99.99 with a one-year customer agreement after a $100 rebate.

BroadbandAccess customers can manage their remote access needs with VZ Access Manager, a customizable tool included with each air card device that simplifies remote access while enabling users to stay connected to business-critical correspondence and documents.

For a $15 monthly access fee, in addition to their regular Verizon Wireless calling plan, V CAST customers in Indianapolis will receive unlimited access to a wide array of updated short-form video programming from leading content providers including Nickelodeon, VH1 and AccuWeather. V CAST's array of hot new multimedia programming is located in the Get It Now® virtual store where customers can access video from favorite news, sports and entertainment providers in the getFLIX shopping aisle and check out new cutting-edge 3-D games in the getGAMES aisle. V CAST also gives customers unlimited access to Verizon Wireless' Mobile Web 2.0 news and information service.

V CAST-enabled phones available today include the LG VX8000 and the Samsung a890. Each phone retails for $149.99 after $50 rebates. The Audiovox 8940 is available for $179.99 after a $50 rebate. Samsung's new SCH-i730, featuring Microsoft's Windows Mobile software, is available now for large account customers and on July 7 for consumers, exclusively through Verizon Wireless. The i730 retails for $599.99 with a two-year customer agreement.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

(EDITORS: Broadcast-quality B-roll footage about V CAST and BroadbandAccess is available online. Log on to www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless to preview and request video segments, which can be received in newsrooms digitally, by tape or via satellite).

About Verizon WirelessVerizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.